Cuttack is a city in the Indian state of Odisha, situated in the eastern part of the country. It is the second largest city in Odisha after the state capital Bhubaneswar, and serves as the headquarters of the Cuttack district. Often referred to as the Millennium City, Cuttack is one of the oldest urban centres in eastern India and historically functioned as the capital of Odisha for nearly nine centuries.
| Country | India |
|---|---|
| State | Odisha |
| District | Cuttack |
| Region | Coastal Odisha |
| Status | Second largest city of Odisha |
| Civic body | Cuttack Municipal Corporation |
| Nickname | Millennium City, Silver City |
| Languages | Odia (official) |
Cuttack lies on the deltaic plain formed by the Mahanadi River and its distributary the Kathajodi, which together flank the older quarters of the city. The city's location at the apex of the Mahanadi delta has shaped its history as a trading and administrative centre, while also exposing it periodically to flooding. It lies a short distance to the north-east of Bhubaneswar, with which it forms a major urban agglomeration in eastern India.
Cuttack is traditionally believed to have been founded in the 10th century by Anangabhima Deva of the Keshari (Somavamshi) line, with the city later becoming the capital of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty and subsequently the Gajapati rulers of Odisha. The Barabati Fort, whose ruins still stand on the banks of the Mahanadi, served as the seat of these medieval kingdoms.
The city subsequently came under the control of the Afghan rulers of Bengal, the Mughals, and later the Marathas, before passing to the British East India Company in the early 19th century. Under British administration, Cuttack functioned as the headquarters of the Orissa Division. After Indian independence and the formation of the state of Orissa, Cuttack remained the capital until administrative functions were progressively shifted to the newly developed city of Bhubaneswar.
Civic administration in the city is carried out by the Cuttack Municipal Corporation. Cuttack is also home to the Orissa High Court, the highest court of the state, which makes the city the judicial capital of Odisha. Several state-level administrative offices, directorates, and revenue institutions continue to be based in Cuttack.
Historically, Cuttack has been an important commercial and trading hub of Odisha. The city is well known for its traditional handicrafts, particularly the fine silver filigree work known as tarakasi, which has given Cuttack its alternative name of the Silver City. Textile weaving, horn work, and brassware are other traditional industries. Trade, retail, government employment, education, and healthcare form the contemporary economic base.
Cuttack has a strong cultural identity rooted in Odia tradition. The city is particularly famous for its celebration of Durga Puja and the associated Bali Yatra, an annual fair held on the banks of the Mahanadi to commemorate the ancient maritime trade between Kalinga and South-East Asian regions such as Bali, Java, and Sumatra. Other notable observances include Kali Puja and the immersion processions along the Kathajodi.